Jason Kidd reaches deal to become Nets coach

The Nets will introduce Kidd as their coach during a Thursday news conference in Brooklyn. Kidd's contract is expected to be guaranteed for three seasons with a possible fourth-year team option, league sources said.

Kidd, 40, makes the leap out of a Hall Fame playing career and onto the bench next season. It's a daring move for the Nets that promises to energize their fan base. Kidd is a revered figure in the franchise's wayward history, and the revelation of his candidacy has inspired the public's enthusiasm.

Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov and general manager Billy King were strong advocates of Kidd's candidacy, pursuing the kind of high-profile – if risky and unorthodox – hiring that they had sought throughout the search process. The success of Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson has served as a blueprint for how the Nets think Kidd can grow into the job.

The Nets missed on traditional coaching stars Phil Jackson and Doc Rivers and ultimately landed on a superstar player whom they project will evolve into a good coach.

King met with another finalist, Indiana Pacers associate head coach Brian Shaw, for 4½ hours on Wednesday in New York. Once that meeting had ended, the Nets moved to finalize the agreement with Kidd.

Kidd is working to secure the services of two key assist coaches – Lawrence Frank and Tim Grgurich – to join his staff. With no coaching experience, Kidd will need to lean heavily on the coaches he hires to surround him.